Solar panels are commonly used to respond to energy demands in homes and other buildings. This excerpt shows a 1970s' attempt to build a house where solar energy will provide for heating year round, thereby minimizing environmental impacts.

A look at innovative housing and community design in response to the Canadian environment and the need to conserve energy sources. Two planned mining towns--Fermont, Québec, and Leaf Rapids, Manitoba--are examined, as well as solar-heated homes in Ontario and Prince Edward Island.